Don't you just hate it when your underlings at the office start giving you lip, or, to use the latest management buzz-word, backchat? In the old days, there was a simple solution: give them a good thrashing on the spot and dock their pay at the end of the week.

Now these people, ungrateful for their very jobs, have teamed up with this nanny state of ours; if you as much as threaten them they run squealing to the unions and the lawyers.

So where can a top executive find an outlet for the more robust side of his or her nature? Look no further than the Slam Man.

Simply place the indestructible Slam Man in a corner of the office, and feel free to administer a beating any time the stress levels rise. You may even allow colleagues to test their own management techniques on the device.

The lights over its various target areas can be programmed to flash in different sequences and speeds; the height is adjustable; and, for higher management levels, it comes with a free pair of boxing gloves and a training video.

The Slam Man, around £360 (€460), is available from www.boysstuff.co.uk.

Gizmo suggestions welcome: smaccarthaigh@irish-times.ie